Where to dance

Socially and competitively, in and around Austin

Social Dancing

Discover Austin's vibrant social dance scene, where there’s a venue to dance in every night of the week! Whether your passion is country, Latin, swing, or ballroom, there's a spot tailored to your style.

Explore our map to find Austin's top social dancing spots, each categorized by its primary dance style. Some venues host multiple styles!

Need recommendations based on your favorite dance style or preferred ambiance? Give us a call or stop by. We're here to help guide you to the perfect dance floor experience!

Click the four corners icon on the right to expand the map for easier navigation! 👇

FEEL PREPARED

What to Wear

  • Close-toed shoes, ideally with leather or suede soles for better movement

  • Comfortable clothing that allows ease of movement and makes you feel great, avoiding overly baggy outfits

  • Extra shirt or top if you tend to sweat a lot while dancing

  • Shorts underneath skirts or dresses for added comfort and mobility

  • Consider layers like a jacket to keep your belongings secure while on the dance floor

What to Bring

  • Water bottle to stay hydrated

  • Towel or small cloth for wiping off sweat and keeping dry

  • Hair ties or pins to keep your hair secure and out of your face while dancing

  • Handheld fan for cooling off between dances

  • Cash for any cover charges, drinks, or tips for instructors

  • Optional: Dance shoes if you prefer changing into them for better performance on the dance floor

competitive Dancing

Competitive dancing isn't just about improving your technique and performance skills—it's an immersive experience that drives you to practice harder and excel faster. Attending a competition, you have the luxury of spending weekends fully engaged in your dance style, from workshops during the day to social dancing all night, not to mention the joy of dressing up in dazzling costumes! Most dancers see remarkable growth in just one weekend spent at a competition.

Beyond the dance floor, competitions are a blast socially, connecting you with passionate dancers from across the country and around the globe. Competitive dancers enjoy spending time with their dance friends from other cities at all the major competitions. These friendships forged in the fire often end up lasting a lifetime!

Official organizations (linked below) govern competitive dance rules and regulations, ensuring a fair and exciting environment. Our instructors are here to guide you through every step, from mastering the moves to enhancing your competitive mindset. Get ready to thrive and grow personally through the exhilarating (and somewhat addicting) journey of competitive dance!

Dance Councils

Country

  • United Country Western Dance Council (UCWDC): The UCWDC is one of the largest organizations dedicated to competitive country and western dance worldwide. It organizes competitions, sets rules, and promotes various styles including couples, line dance, and team events.

  • American Country Dance Association (ACDA): The ACDA is a leading organization in the country dance community, offering a series of competitions throughout the United States. It focuses on fostering a welcoming environment for dancers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced competitors.

West Coast Swing

  • World Swing Dance Council (WSDC): The WSDC sets the standards and rules for competitive West Coast Swing dancing internationally. It organizes major events, establishes judging criteria, and maintains rankings for dancers.

Ballroom | Standard, Smooth, Latin & Rhythm

  • World Dance Council (WDC): The World Dance Council is the international authority for Professional DanceSport, representing all major forms of competitive dance. It establishes rules and regulations for competitions worldwide.

  • National Dance Council of America (NDCA): The NDCA is the official governing council of traditional ballroom dance in the United States. It regulates amateur and professional dance competitions and sets standards for dance instructors and adjudicators.

  • World DanceSport Federation (WDSF): The IDSF is the international governing body for DanceSport, recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It oversees competitive ballroom dancing at the highest levels globally.